Solar radiation is present and harmful every single day, even when it’s not sunny outside. Whilst UVB rays are strongest in the summer months, we are still exposed to it during wintertime. It is particularly prevalent at high altitudes with a thinner atmosphere, so if you’re going skiing or visiting a Christmassy location during the festive period, you need to be especially vigilant. We are also exposed to UVA radiation, visible light, and infrared-A all year round. These types of solar radiation hinder collagen and elastin production, weaken the skin barrier and cause skin cell damage. This leads to premature skin ageing and, most frighteningly, genetic mutations and skin cancer. That’s why it’s so important to protect our skin all year round.

How does cold weather affect the skin? 

Not only do we need to continue to protect our skin from solar radiation during the winter months, but we also need to consider our overall skin health during the coldest months of the year. For example, during the winter months, your complexion is more likely to become dry and dehydrated, and may have patches that look scaly or flaky, or you may notice your skin feels red, itchy and more sensitive. If you have a pre-existing dry skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, it could worsen throughout the colder months.  

No matter how your skin reacts to the weather in autumn and winter, it’s safe to say that the seasonal change really takes its toll. Coupled with the continued risks of solar radiation, it’s important to care for and protect the skin effectively at this time of year. So how can we treat winter skin?  

First, we need to understand how the skin reacts to winter weather. The outermost layer of our skin is made up of tough skin cells and lipids. It is these natural moisturisers that keep water inside the body, whilst keeping toxins and bacteria out. When this layer of skin is in good health, it is soft, smooth and brilliant at its job. But when this layer of skin is damaged, it struggles to retain moisture, and as it dries out and shrinks, small cracks will start to occur¹. 

Along with sun damage and over-exfoliating the skin, there are several elements of autumn and winter that compromise the barrier and zap our skin of moisture and radiance. Outside, cold air, strong winds and low humidity levels leave the skin dull and dry. When we head inside from the cold outdoors, dry central heating and hot baths or showers further deplete the skin of moisture and aggravate symptoms like roughness, itchiness and dry skin.  

Dry skin is also more common as we get older, with around 75% people over the age of 64² suffering with dry skin. As we age, our natural production of oils slows down, as do the substances in our skin that attract and bind water molecules. These natural processes may be exacerbated by the long-term effects of sun exposure, making the skin even more vulnerable. 

How to treat and protect dry winter skin 

If you suffer with dry skin on your body, one of the best ways to combat this is to make your baths and showers shorter, cooler and less frequent. It is recommended that you shouldn’t bathe for more than ten mins in every twenty-four-hour period, and the water should be warm rather than hot³. Soap should only be used as and when necessary and should always be mild and unscented. Afterwards, pat the skin dry with a towel and apply plenty of body moisturiser, especially on areas prone to dryness. 

Other tips to improve dry skin in winter include using a humidifier, avoiding itchy fabrics, checking for drying ingredients in your toiletries and skincare products, and drinking plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated.

If, when it’s cold outside, your main concern is the dryness of your complexion, the first step is to replace the skin’s natural oils with moisturisers in order to boost hydration and strengthen the barrier function. Moisturiser should be applied liberally and frequently⁴, which will keep moisture levels high and ensure that the skin’s barrier function is repaired and restored effectively. 

A good, broad-spectrum SPF should also be worn every single day to protect the skin from the harmful effects of daylight to prevent cellular DNA damage and pre-mature ageing.

Choose Heliocare 360° Water Gel 

The ultimate sunscreen for dry winter skin, our Water Gel from Heliocare 360° is an intensely hydrating SPF gel that provides broad spectrum protection against daylight all year round. Supercharged with Fernblock®, the anti-oxidant powerhouse that’s unique to the Heliocare 360° range, our Water Gel goes beyond sunscreen. Clinically proven to prevent and repair sun damage, our Water Gel is the perfect choice for protecting the skin from harmful winter daylight whilst also providing a much-needed moisture boost with its advanced hydration system. First, a biopolymer film network featuring hyaluronic acid, alginate and pullulan, which work together to act as a second skin, capturing and maintaining hydration whilst protecting against pollution. Next, a moisturising booster complex containing active ingredients that are released gradually for long-lasting hydration. 90% of users say their skin is more hydrated, while 100% report softer skin. 

The Heliocare 360° Water Gel absorbs quickly and offers a soft matte finish. It is suitable for all skin types, and perfect for layering with multiple skincare products or makeup. Its invisible, barely-there finish makes it a popular choice with men, as well as people with darker skin types who want to avoid the residue typically associated with sun protection products. 

To protect against cellular DNA damage caused by daylight, prevent accelerated ageing, and keep your skin hydrated and radiant shop Heliocare 360° Water Gel today.